Saturday Fulham Stuff (26/10/13)...

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Fantasy Friday: Fulham may have taken Palace to pieces but here's why they're heading for a month of pain

Welcome to Sportsmail's weekly Fantasy Football column which will try to help you get the edge on your friends, family and Jamie Redknapp.

Here, Rik Sharma considers the key issues in the game, from the men to bring in or avoid, through to which teams have a tasty looking run of fixtures.

Don't fall into the TV trap
Fulham took Crystal Palace to pieces but that's not something to write home about.

If you watched their victory on Monday night on television, you might have admired Dimitar Berbatov (£9.2million) and resolved to put him in your team.

Perhaps you saw Pajtim Kasami's Van Basten-esque screamer and thought at just £4m he's a snip.

Maybe Steve Sidwell (£5.6m) is on your radar, and Philippe Senderos, who also scored, is what your ailing defence needs, costing a mere £3.7m.

But I urge you not to take action on these thoughts.

Fulham have a horrendous stream of fixtures heading their way that could end up costing manager Martin Jol his job - don't let it jeopardise your managerial career too.

This weekend they're heading to high-flying Southampton, who are extremely strong at the back.

Then they host Manchester United, who, despite being in poor form, will be expecting to win.

Next up is a trip to Anfield, before they host Swansea and then head to West Ham.

That's backed up by another London derby, against Champions League hopefuls Spurs.

If that's not worrying enough, they then host Villa and Man City, with a tough trip to Goodison Park sandwiched in between.

Don't fall into the TV trap - stay away from Fulham.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2474949/Fantasy-Football-preview-October-26-Fulham-heading-month-pain.html#ixzz2io6wW7x3
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Kasami can be big - Jol

Martin Jol reckons Pajtim Kasami can go on to become Fulham's own version of Andros Townsend - so long as he ignores the speculation linking him with a big-money move abroad and stays at Craven Cottage.

Kasami scored an early contender for goal of the season on Monday night with a sumptuous two-touch volley which sailed over Crystal Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni from 25 yards.

The Swiss has not enjoyed the easiest of rides at Fulham since joining the west London club on a free transfer from Palermo in 2011.

The 21-year-old has started just nine Barclays Premier League games and last season he was so desperate for first-team football that he took a 50 per cent pay-cut to join Swiss side Lucerne on loan.

The midfielder is out of contract in 18 months and has been linked with a move to Juventus, but Jol says the best place for his development is Fulham.

"He's still not the best player in England, but I think in two or three years he could be a big player," the Fulham boss said.

"Then maybe Juventus can come here and pay a lot of money for him. That would be good for everyone!

"I told him to count his blessings and to be happy at that age playing Premier League football.

"He needs to keep his feet on the ground. He's a very level-headed boy."

Tottenham took little time to tie Townsend down to a long-term contract following his heroic England debut, but Kasami will have to wait longer for a new deal at Fulham.

Jol thinks Kasami, a naturally left-sided attacking midfielder just like Townsend, still has work to do before he deserves new and improved terms.

"There will be a situation in five or six months time that we have to talk and extend his contract," Jol added.

"If he didn't score that goal it would've been a different story.

"He could've gone to other clubs when he left Palermo but he came here.

"He started off well but he had to learn a lot and that's what he did.

"If you take the likes of Kyle Walker, Kyle Naughton and Andros Townsend, they played for other clubs then came back. Now Townsend is the one I go to the stadium for. He's a good player, almost like Arjen Robben, but not as good. He makes things happen for his team and Kasami's the same.

"He's got a very good shot and free-kick, so if he works hard he will be more and more important for us."

Kasami is likely to retain his place in Fulham's starting XI for Saturday evening's match at Southampton.

Captain Brede Hangeland is unlikely to play as he has a nerve problem in his leg while midfielder Bryan Ruiz is a doubt because of a back injury.



http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/324/8989843/-?

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Southampton boss wary of Fulham threat

Southampton manager Maruicio Pochettino is wary of the threat that Fulham pose to the Saints.

The Whites beat Crystal Palace by four goals to one on Monday night with Pajtim Kasami's effort illuminating the evening's entertainment.

The west Londoners have picked up back to back wins and will be looking to continue this run of form on the south coast.

"Fulham are a very good side with very talented players. Their position in the league is not reflective of how they are doing," he told reporters.

"We know they will make things tough for us, so we'll have to work hard to get a positive result from this game."



http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/southampton_boss_wary_of_fulham_threat_1_2927237

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Southampton vs Fulham Preview

Southampton - Fulham Preview: Jol's men eye third straight win against frugal Saints

The Cottagers won their last two outings in the league, but face the meanest defence in the division on Saturday, with the south coast outfit conceding just three goals this term

Southampton will look to preserve the Premier League's best defensive record on Saturday against a Fulham side fresh from two wonder goals.

Mauricio Pochettino's men have the meanest rearguard in the top flight, having conceded just three times so far, but Martin Jol's side are likely to test that to limit following their goalscoring exploits last time out.

The London side – who have only three wins in the new campaign – registered a superb 4-1 triumph over Crystal Palace on Monday, which included two stunning strikes from Pajtim Kasami and Steve Sidwell.

Kasami struck an early goal-of-the-season contender when he controlled the ball on his chest before smashing a long-distance effort into the top corner of the net to equalise, before Sidwell then put his team in front with another sensational volley.

Less spectacular efforts from Dimitar Berbatov and Philippe Senderos comfortably sealed the three points for Jol's men, who must now look to build on that result as they seek a third win on the bounce.

They are likely to face a significantly tougher test at St Mary's, with Southampton on a dominant run of home form that has seen them stay unbeaten in front of their own fans in the new campaign.

Fulham have never won at the south-coast venue either, with their last victory away from home against Southampton coming at The Dell when they won 1-0 in September 1998.

Pochettino is faced with a selection dilemma and must decide whether to return Rickie Lambert to the starting XI; the 31-year-old was benched against Manchester United last weekend in favour of club-record signing Dani Osvaldo.

Pochettino will also potentially need to tinker with his midfield, with Northern Ireland international Steven Davis facing a last fitness test after taking a knock in training on Wednesday.

Fulham boss Jol has his own concerns, and he could be without defender Brede Hangeland and striker Bryan Ruiz, who will face late assessments over leg and back problems respectively.



http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/109294/southampton-vs-fulham/preview

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Stoke and Fulham in battle for Polish ace

Fulham and Stoke are set to go head-to-head in the race for PEC Zwolle midfielder Mateusz Klich, according to reports from talkSPORT.

The 23-year-old featured for Poland in their recent encounter with England, but was unable to help his side avoid a 2-0 defeat at Wembley.

Klich has been impressive with Dutch side PEC Zwolle of late, alerting a number of clubs from across Europe.

Stoke and Fulham are thought to be at the front of the queue for the talented 23-year-old, and could make winter moves.

His current employers are believed to value him at around £1m, but are hopeful that the two clubs could start a bidding war, which may substantially increase the figure.

Klich joined PEC from Wolfsburg on loan in January before making a permanent move to the Eredivisie in the summer.

He has started the new campaign brightly, notching one goal and four assists so far.

Fulham boss Martin Jol is believed to be keen to bolster his options in the New Year in a bid to keep his side clear of the relegation zone, while Mark Hughes also sees Klich as the ideal man to help continue his Stoke revolution.


http://www.footballfancast.com/premiership/stoke-and-fulham-in-battle-for-polish-ace?

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LAWRO'S PREDICTION

Southampton v Fulham (17:30 BST)

Fulham boss Martin Jol was on the verge of getting booted out a couple of weeks ago - now he is a contender for manager of the month.

The Cottagers have won their last two games and I think they will get another positive result against Southampton.

After the start that the Saints have made, their supporters are probably convinced they are definitely going to finish in the top half of the table. The Premier League is not quite as easy as that, though.

After surprising a few teams in the last couple of months, I think Manuel Pochettino's side might get a bit of a shock themselves.

Lawro's prediction: 1-1
Montana's prediction: 4-1


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24604531

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In Form Fulham Man On Juventus Radar

Juventus are looking to bolster their midfield options, and are hoping purchase Swiss midfielder Pajtim Kasami from English side Fulham.

The former Palermo player has begun to establish himself in Martin Jol's first team this season, and has been in impressive form.

English newspaper The Sun report that the Vecchia Signora's sporting director Fabio Paratici has earmarked Kasami as a priority to reinforce the midfield.

The Macedonian-born youngster scored a spectacular volley against Crystal Palace on Monday night, in a game that was observed by a scout from the Turin side.

Having started his professional career with Bellinzona in Switzerland, after being released by Lazio, Kasami played one season for Palermo before being snapped up by the Cottagers. Finding first team opportunities limited, he was loaned out to Luzern, in Switzerland, early in 2013 before returning to Fulham.

Although born in Macedonia, Kasami spent his formative years in Switzerland, representing the Rossocrociati's Under-17 and Under-21 team before making his full debut earlier this month.



http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2013/10/on-form-fulham-man-on-juventus-radar/?

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Fulham midfielder Scott Parker ready for Southampton test after back-to-back wins

Fulham midfielder Scott Parker is hoping to complete a hat-trick of Premier League wins when the Cottagers face Southampton at St Mary's on Saturday.

Martin Jol's side have beaten Stoke 1-0 at home and Crystal Palace 4-1 at Selhurst Park in their last two outings to move up to 14th in the table.

Two stunning goals from Pajtim Kasami and Steve Sidwell helped Fulham come from behind against Palace on Monday and they will travel to the south coast on a high.

Parker told Sky Sports: "When the results aren't going, no matter how well you are playing, you can try and gain all the positives you want from that, but ultimately if you are not winning football matches the pressure starts to mount and it was obviously a very big win for us.

"Going into the game it was pretty tense and I think it was a big game for both of us.

"Back-to-back wins is crucial and when you get back-to-back wins in the Premier League it suddenly springboards you, confidence rises and obviously you can move up the table a little bit.

"Our team is very attacking, the goals the other night and the way we won the game, we have certainly got that in our locker, but we also need to have the other side of it as well really.

"It was very pleasing and it was probably coming, but we need to maintain that now, especially this year. I think this year is a big year and we need to maintain that and stay amongst it really."


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/8990076/fulham-midfielder-scott-parker-ready-for-southampton-test-after-back-to-back-wins?

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Saints vs Fulham: Preview

Fulham are the visitors to St Mary's on Saturday evening for a 5.30pm kick-off in the Barclays Premier League.

Saints head into the game on a five match unbeaten league run, and aiming for an opportunity to remain without defeat on home soil so far this season, as they look to maintain their solid start to the campaign which has left the team in sixth position going into this weekend.

A 1-1 draw at Manchester United last Saturday saw Southampton's defence breached for the first time in five attempts, but the record of just three goals conceded in the top-flight so far this term is the best is the division and second only to Italian side AS Roma in domestic European competition.

Saints return home where they went on a successful run of three wins in all competitions prior to last weekend's trip to Old Trafford. Victories over Crystal Palace and Swansea City in the Barclays Premier League sandwiched a Capital One Cup success over Bristol City.

Visitors Fulham picked up a morale boosting 4-1 win over Crystal Palace on Monday evening to make it back-to-back victories in the Barclays Premier League. The Cottagers had recorded just one league win prior to those successes, and as a result now sit in a much healthier 14th position in the table.

Martin Jol's men have taken 10 points from their opening eight Premier League games, but on current form are not a side to be taken lightly with Monday's game also proving that the visitors' goal-threat extends beyond the firepower offered from the likes of Darren Bent and Dimitar Berbatov.

Wonder strikes from Pajtim Kasami and Steve Sidwell at Selhurst Park suggest that the Cottagers have found their touch in front of goal

Current Saints star Steven Davis ex is a former Fulham player. They were the club he moved to from Aston Villa, before going onto join Glasgow Rangers.

A feature-length interview with Steven is inside this weekend's edition of the Matchday Magazine 'SAINTS' which is available to purchase on Saturday in and around St Mary's stadium, priced at £3.

Team News

Mauricio Pochettino revealed that Steven Davis is his only concern for the game after the midfielder picked up a knock in training towards the end of the week.

Gaston Ramirez could return to the squad after missing out last weekend.

Fulham's Maarten Stekelenburg is likely to remain between the posts after the goalkeeper came through his return to action from injury in Monday's win over Crystal Palace.

Scott Parker also came through his second match in Fulham colours, with manager Martin Jol facing a dilemma of whether to stick with the team that won so comfortably at Selhurst Park, or take more of a conservative approach this time around.

Pre-match quotes

Mauricio Pochettino:

"Fulham are a team that knows how to play football very well.

"They have a lot of good, talented players so it's going to be a very tough game for us. We're fully-aware that we are going to be facing technically-gifted players.

"Throughout the season they've been using a 4-4-2 system and defending very deep – we've noticed that's how they've played against most teams. That's how their footballing philosophy is executed."

Martin Jol:

"You could see that even before the change of manager they [Southampton] have a good team. They started off with players like Ramirez and Jay Rodriguez – who we couldn't get because he was too expensive - and then after that there was Osvaldo who I thought about making a bid for years ago, and then they did it with Wanyama too. They are all good players and they've done well too, they got the players in and they've done well.

"There's only one team in Europe with a better defensive record and that's Roma. They've only conceded three goals and they've got strong assets and if you look at their midfield it's unbelievable there's stamina and strength and at the back, they're organised. I think it's a good team because they are solid but they also get forward too.

"We've been analysing teams for weeks in advance and we think we've found areas where there are weaknesses. Our game plan will also be to get forward and to score goals, but you have to be defensively solid as well."

Previous Meetings

Last season Saints hit back late on to take a 2-2 draw in the game at St Mary's. Jose Fonte's brace either side of Fulham's goals earned the hosts a deserved point.

It was a stalemate in the reverse fixture too, as Rickie Lambert's second half penalty rescued a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage on Boxing Day.

Prior to then, our previous Premier League meetings with Fulham came in the 2004-05 season with Saints earning a draw on home soil but slipping to a 1-0 defeat at Craven Cottage.

It was a similar story a year earlier when Saints were defeated 2-0 away from home, but held Fulham to a goalless draw at St Mary's.

In fact, that's the only goalless draw in the last twelve meetings between the two teams.

Saturday's game is the 62nd all-time meeting between the two teams. Saints have the upper hand with 22 victories to Fulham's 18. A further 21 games have ended level.

Match Information

Andre Marriner will referee Saturday's game, and he will be assisted by Mr M Mullarkey and Mr D Bryan. J Linington is the fourth official.

Don't forget to check out the Family Fun Day activities around the stadium which begin from 2pm on Saturday. Have your cameras at the ready to send into us via social media using the hashtag #SFCFFD.

Whether you're a home supporter or an away fan, find your perfect way of getting to St Mary's on Saturday using the link relevant to you.

Online Coverage

As with every First Team game, we'll be providing minute-by-minute coverage throughout the day on our official Twitter feed plus goal updates on our official Facebook page.

You can listen to live commentary courtesy of BBC Solent on Saints Player, where you can keep up to date with all the stats and scores from around the country.

Mauricio Pochettino and Jose Fonte spoke to Saints Player ahead of the game, and you can watch their interviews, as well as the gaffer's press conference in full now.

After the match there will be plenty more content on saintsfc.co.uk and Saints Player, so stay tuned!

And if you're coming to the game, don't forget to take your smartphones and join in with #MarchingIn on our social media channels. Tweet us @SouthamptonFC or comment on our official Facebook page and upload images onto Instagram with the #MarchingIn for a chance to appear in our Matchday Magazine for the visit of Hull City.




Read more at http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/news/article/saints-vs-fulham-preview-1133359.aspx?#woUypCh98jXUrBq1.99

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Inside St Mary's

Southampton fan James McAlister provides the inside scoop on his club ahead of their meeting with the Whites at St Mary's on Saturday.

It's been a great start to the campaign for Southampton – are you surprised by how well the season has gone so far?

It's been a fantastic start but I'm honestly not overly surprised as you could see the quality was there, especially at the tail end of last season. We've bought players who have the right attitude and play for the team, not a bunch of mercenaries who are there for their last pay cheque and still get relegated. It also makes a change not relying on one stand-out player as we did in the days of Matt Le Tissier. Last year we got a couple of scalps off the big boys – Liverpool, Manchester City, etc – but we seemed to struggle breaking down the teams that came to shut up shop, such as West Ham United. If we can continue the progress we seem to have made this year, the sky's the limit!


It was a bit surprising when Mauricio Pochettino came in, but he's settled quickly hasn't he?

I remember it was during a blizzard on the South Coast, and I was quite angry at the news as I felt Nigel Adkins needed more time to prove himself at this level. He's a great talent and deserves his chance at the top, even if it's sadly not with us. However, Pochettino has been a revelation. Our defensive flaws at the beginning of the season almost seemed to disappear overnight and suddenly we were playing a high pressing but competent game. I feel we can beat anyone on our day now. It's a fantastic achievement, especially when you consider that only four years ago we were in administration on -10 points in League One.


What do you feel is a realistic ambition for Southampton this season?

If we can keep the recent form up, my heart says Europe! I think January will be an interesting and important transfer window. Perhaps the calibre of player who normally wouldn't be interested in playing for a team like us might now turn their head our way. We're certainly building for it - if not this season, then maybe next?


Which players have really impressed you for the Saints so far in the campaign?

Dejan Lovren has been a fantastic foil to Jose Fonte. I think we'd shipped about 24 goals already at this point in the season last year, and this year we've conceded just five. It's also interesting that Fonte was on the fringes after injury last year as we favoured Jos Hooiveld and Maya Yoshida as a partnership. I also hope that Dani Osvaldo and Victor Wanyama gel with the team and show the form they seem to be capable of.


You've got plenty of young English players coming through which bodes well for the future doesn't it?

Luke Shaw will be the next England left-back in my opinion once Ashley Cole and Leighton Baines are past it. Every week there's a story about him being linked with one of the top clubs, which is a credit to him at the age of 18. He seems to be grounded, though, and I hope he stays around to realise his potential with us rather than getting splinters on the bench for a bigger team. We've also got Nathaniel Clyne and James Ward-Prowse making similar strides. It would be nice if we could keep hold of our academy graduates this time, unlike with Gareth Bale, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott!


Every Saints fan must have been delighted to see Rickie Lambert do well for England when he finally got that call-up to the national squad recently?

It was about time! I was very happy for him and I'm glad Roy Hodgson took a punt. There are far worse England strikers in recent years who've picked up more caps. It really is a fairy tale story for the guy and I hope he's on the plane to Brazil. Ideally sat next to Adam Lallana.


Have you seen much of Fulham so far this season and what have you made of them as a team?

I live with a Fulham fan so I will be careful with what I say here! I've recently moved to London and I went to the Fulham versus Everton game in the League Cup. I think Fulham are a good team, but don't have the same depth as some of their peers. The side lacks pace up front and in central midfield, I feel. It will be interesting to see where your new owner takes you in the next few years.


Which Fulham player will you be most wary of at St Mary's on Saturday?

Pajtim Kasami – we're not worthy.


What's the best and worst thing about a trip to St Mary's?

The best thing is that you aren't too far from town so it gives you a chance to get some good food and drink in before the game, or do some shopping if you want to live your life like that. The worst thing is St Mary's is a bit of an identikit stadium with no real heritage. The atmosphere isn't too bad, there are certainly a lot of songs and cheering, but it's not The Dell.


What's the one song we're bound to hear you guys sing at the game?

You'll definitely hear 'Oh when the Saints go marching in.' It's our anthem.


Where can away fans go to get a pint before the game?


Having never gone to a game as an away fan, I don't know of loads but Yates' on the high street is always pretty popular.


What's your score prediction for the game?

I have to say 2-0 Southampton. We're in great form and, despite your recent talent for scoring wonder goals, I expect it to continue. Good luck and enjoy the game!



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/october/25/inside-st-marys?

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Bryan Ruiz is willing to go the extra mile



Bryan Ruiz says the prospect of playing at the World Cup is giving him added motivation to help Fulham move further away from the  bottom three.

Costa Rica have qualified for next summer's finals and Ruiz, who captains his country, is targeting a good season with his club in preparation for Brazil.

The striker admits it was difficult to recover for Premier League games after returning from qualifiers in North America but is now fully focused on Fulham.

"I want to play very well this season to give myself the best preparation for the World Cup," he said. "I am enjoying it here and I want to improve.

"It has been a tough schedule for me. I flew to Costa Rica many times to play for the national team, which is difficult to recover from. I am very tired because it is difficult to go to America and play, then come back and play again here. It is difficult to cope with the jet lag."

Fulham moved three points clear of the bottom three with Monday's 4-1 win at Crystal Palace. They travel to Southampton tomorrow and Ruiz believes Martin Jol's side have turned the corner following a slow start to the season.

He said: "We started with some doubts but two wins in a row gives us confidence. We are in a better position now but we have to continue. I am surprised by Southampton's form but they deserve to be where they are. They are going to be confident so it is going to be tough."

Meanwhile, Fulham have offered Steve Sidwell, 30, a one-year contract extension. The midfielder's deal expires at the end of the season. Manager Jol said: "We are talking to him but who knows what will happen."

Fulham captain Brede Hangeland is likely to miss the game at St Mary's with a nerve problem in his back. Hangeland was substituted at half-time at Selhurst Park and Jol said: "We kept him on during the Crystal Palace game and he had to have an injection afterwards. Hopefully, it will settle."

Fulham's victory on Monday included a wonder goal from Pajtim Kasami, who cracked in a sumptuous two-touch volley from 25 yards.

The Swiss has not enjoyed the easiest of rides since joining on a free transfer from Palermo in 2011. The 21-year-old has started just nine Premier League games and last season was so desperate for first-team football that he took a  50 per cent pay-cut to join Swiss side Lucerne on loan.

The midfielder is out of contract in 18 months and has been linked with a move to Juventus but Jol says the best place for his development is Fulham.

"He's still not the best player in England, but I think in two or three years he could be a big player," said Jol.



http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/bryan-ruiz-is-willing-to-go-the-extra-mile-8903592.html

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Arsenal boss: Wilshere goal better than Kasami's
Arsene Wenger believes Jack Wilshere's goal against Norwich City was better than Pajtim Kasami's against Crystal Palace

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is in no doubt that Jack Wilshere's goal against Norwich City from last weekend is better than Pajtim Kasami's strike for Fulham against Crystal Palace on Monday night.

Kasami's wonderful effort has been hailed as a potential goal of the season contender, while Wilshere finished off a stunning move following a series of intricate passes.

Fulham manager Martin Jol even described Kasami's goal as better than Marco van Basten's famous volley for the Netherlands at Euro '88, but Wenger firmly believes his player's goal was more difficult to execute.

"Kasami scored an exceptional goal but many players can score a goal like that," the Frenchman commented during Friday's press conference. "To score a goal like Wilshere's is more difficult."

With the end of October fast approaching, we will soon find out whether Wilshere or Kasami - or potentially someone else, of course - wins the Goal of the Month award, which could provide a clue as to who will eventually win the coveted Goal of the Season accolade.

However, with another seven months of the season left to play, it would be dangerous to presume that these two goals are guaranteed to be the front-runners for the award.



http://www.givemesport.com/394479-arsenal-boss-wilshere-goal-better-than-kasamis?autoplay=on

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Southampton-Fulham Betting Preview: Super Saints can edge tight encounter

Mauricio Pochettino's men have made a fine start to the season and our tipster is backing them to edge a low-scoring match against Martin Jol's Cottagers at St Mary's

Southampton will look to maintain their positive start to the Premier League season when they play host to Fulham on Saturday evening.

Mauricio Pochettino's men have lost just one of their 10 competitive fixtures in all competitions this season and are chalked up as warm favourites with BetVictor to claim all three points against Martin Jol's men this weekend.

BetVictor go just 4/7 (1.57) for the Saints to emerge triumphant at St Mary's on Saturday while Martin Jol's side, boosted by a thumping 4-1 win over Crystal Palace on Monday night, can be backed at a massive 11/2 (6.50) with the same firm. The draw is available at 16/5 (4.20) with BetVictor.

Southampton come into this weekend's set of fixtures boasting the best defensive record in the English top flight, having conceded just three goals in their opening eight Premier League matches and will be in confident mood ahead of their meeting with the Cottagers.

Prior to Monday's win over Crystal Palace, Fulham had just five goals in seven Premier League matches and, with Martin Jol's men only having netted once on the road before thumping the Eagles, the visitors may struggle to test the Saints defence too severely on Saturday.

BetVictor go just 4/7 (1.57) for the Saints to emerge triumphant at St Mary's on Saturday while Martin Jol's side, boosted by a thumping 4-1 win over Crystal Palace on Monday night, can be backed at a massive 11/2 (6.50) with the same firm. The draw is available at 16/5 (4.20) with BetVictor.

Southampton come into this weekend's set of fixtures boasting the best defensive record in the English top flight, having conceded just three goals in their opening eight Premier League matches and will be in confident mood ahead of their meeting with the Cottagers.

Prior to Monday's win over Crystal Palace, Fulham had just five goals in seven Premier League matches and, with Martin Jol's men only having netted once on the road before thumping the Eagles, the visitors may struggle to test the Saints defence too severely on Saturday.



http://www.goal.com/en/news/2994/betting/2013/10/25/4354889/-?

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Sidwell 'wants to stay at Fulham'

Steve Sidwell wants to stay at Fulham despite rejecting the club's initial contract offer, his agent has insisted.

Sidwell. whose current deal expires at the end of the season, was recently offered a 12-month extension.

His representative, Eric Walters, confirmed that the proposal was turned down and that the 30-year-old wants a two-year contract.

Whites boss Martin Jol is keen for him to stay and has indicated that an agreement looks likely to be reached.

And Walters told West London Sport: "Steve wants to stay at Fulham – he hasn't got it in his mind to go elsewhere.

"The club recently made an offer of a one-year contract extension but in mine and Steve's opinion he is worth at least two years.

"He is in his prime physically, he's always likely to nick you a goal or two and he does his talking on the pitch.

"Anyone that has been watching Fulham play this season I'm sure will agree that Steve has been among their most consistent performers.

"We'll wait and see what transpires over the next few months before we make any firm decisions regarding his future."



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/sidwell-wants-to-stay-at-fulham?

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Martin Jol claims Fulham forward Pajtim Kasami could become one of the best players in England as long as he 'keeps his feet on the ground'
The 21-year-old's worth has rocketed after his wonder-strike against Crystal Palace on Monday night



Martin Jol reckons Pajtim Kasami can go on to become Fulham's own version of Andros Townsend - so long as he ignores the speculation linking him with a big-money move abroad and stays at Craven Cottage.

Kasami scored an early contender for goal of the season on Monday night with a sumptuous two-touch volley which sailed over Crystal Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni from 25 yards.

The Swiss has not enjoyed the easiest of rides at Fulham since joining the west London club on a free transfer from Palermo in 2011.

The 21-year-old has started just nine Barclays Premier League games and last season he was so desperate for first-team football that he took a 50 per cent pay-cut to join Swiss side Lucerne on loan.

The midfielder is out of contract in 18 months and has been linked with a move to Juventus, but Jol says the best place for his development is Fulham.

"He's still not the best player in England, but I think in two or three years he could be a big player," the Fulham boss said.

"Then maybe Juventus can come here and pay a lot of money for him. That would be good for everyone!

"I told him to count his blessings and to be happy at that age playing Premier League football.

"He needs to keep his feet on the ground. He's a very level-headed boy."

Tottenham took little time to tie Townsend down to a long-term contract following his heroic England debut, but Kasami will have to wait longer for a new deal at Fulham.

Jol thinks Kasami, a naturally left-sided attacking midfielder just like Townsend, still has work to do before he deserves new and improved terms.

"There will be a situation in five or six months time that we have to talk and extend his contract," Jol added.

"If he didn't score that goal it would've been a different story.

"He could've gone to other clubs when he left Palermo but he came here.

"He started off well but he had to learn a lot and that's what he did.

"If you take the likes of Kyle Walker, Kyle Naughton and Andros Townsend, they played for other clubs then came back. Now Townsend is the one I go to the stadium for. He's a good player, almost like Arjen Robben, but not as good. He makes things happen for his team and Kasami's the same.

"He's got a very good shot and free-kick, so if he works hard he will be more and more important for us."

Kasami is likely to retain his place in Fulham's starting XI for Saturday evening's match at Southampton.

Captain Brede Hangeland is unlikely to play as he has a nerve problem in his leg while midfielder Bryan Ruiz is a doubt because of a back injury.

PA



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/martin-jol-claims-fulham-forward-pajtim-kasami-could-become-one-of-the-best-players-in-england-as-long-as-he-keeps-his-feet-on-the-ground-8903826.html

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Southend United's Cauley Woodrow: Dagenham defeat won't affect our confidence

CAULEY Woodrow insists Southend United's confidence has not been dented by their midweek defeat to Dagenham & Redbridge.

The Shrimpers were beaten 1-0 by the Daggers at Roots Hall on Tuesday night.

But the on-loan Fulham forward is backing Blues to bounce back to winning ways at Newport County this weekend.

"It was another good performance on Tuesday, despite the result, so we all still feel good and confident ahead of Saturday's game," said the 18-year-old.

"Apart from the opening 20 minutes I thought we were the better team against Dagenham and that was with 10 men.

"So we're looking forward to tomorrow and, although Newport are doing well, I think we can go there and get the three points.

"I certainly don't think there will be a big dip in results like last time when the team's run of three straight wins came to an end earlier on in the season."

Woodrow is also determined to continue his improvement in a Shrimpers shirt.

The youngster was selected as man of the match against Dagenham.

And he is enjoying his new role in the side which sees him featuring more on the left-hand side of the attack.

"I like it out there but I also like to get involved centrally and that's what the manager wants from me," said Woodrow.

"I've still been getting chances and hopefully I can put one away tomorrow to help us get a good result."

Woodrow looks set to stay in an attacking role against Newport County, with manager Phil Brown insisting Freddy Eastwood was not yet fit enough to be selected in the starting line-up.

The suspended John White and Mark Phillips will join the injured Adam Thompson, Marc Laird and Julian Bennett on the sidelines.

But Craig Reid — who could be facing his former side — will face a late fitness check on an ankle injury.

And Brown is expecting another difficult afternoon.

"Newport have momentum behind them after winning promotion and they're doing well," said the Blues boss.

"They play some nice football but then so do we, so it should be a good game.

"It's also the first time I've been there since 1979, so I'm looking forward to it too."



http://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/10762508._/?

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U18s Face Wolves

Fulham's Under-18s will be looking to bounce back from last weekend's defeat when they make the trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday (12pm).

Following the 3-0 loss against Aston Villa last time out, Steve Wigley's side will be aiming to return to winning ways having seen Tottenham Hotspur leapfrog them into top spot in the Barclays Under-18 Premier League Southern Group.

Opponents Wolves currently occupy third place in the Northern Group, with teams from both sections facing one another this term. Last Saturday, Wolves drew 1-1 with Stoke City at their Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground, with Peter Smith scoring their goal.

With five wins from eight fixtures, the hosts will prove a tough test for the young Whites, but Wigley's team will be confident that they can make an impact.

The two sides met twice last term during the first phase of fixtures, with Fulham starting the 2012/13 season with a bang following a 7-1 defeat of Wolves. Cauley Woodrow (2), Emerson Hyndman (3), Lyle Della Verde and Moussa Dembele grabbed the goals at Motspur Park.

In the reverse fixture, the Whites were held to a 2-2 draw in the Midlands, with Woodrow and Jordan Evans (pictured) on target.

Next Saturday, Fulham host Blackburn Rovers at Motspur Park (11am).



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/october/25/u18s-face-wolves?

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Parker Previews Saints

Fulham's midfield dynamo Scott Parker reflects on a job well done at Crystal Palace and assesses the threat of weekend opponent's Southampton.

Parker Previews Saints


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/october/25/parker-southampton-challenge?

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Saints V Fulham The Preview

Saints take on Fulham in the 5.15pm televised match on Saturday knowing that the worst they could finish the day on will be 7th, but the best could be 2nd.

In many respects this is a big acid for Saints, no one is doubting the teams ability to compete with the best, the draw at Old Trafford and win at Anfield proved that, however the question mark over the great start to the season is our ability to score goals and see off the sides who come to St Mary's looking for a draw. Although we are unbeaten at home so far, all our games have been against teams residing in the lower half of the table and in all of those we have struggled to despatch them, even the two wins had their question marks over them and although Palace couldn't muster a shot on target, we had to rely on two quick goals to see them off.

But if we can cure our shyness in front of goal and turn possession into goals and therefore points, then there is no reason why we shouldn't be very happy bunnies looking at the table on Saturday evening, as mentioned we could well sit 2nd if we win, although that will change on Sunday as Man City play Chelsea, the reality is though that Liverpool will beat West Brom at home and that will be enough to keep them ahead of us.

Fulham should not be underestimated though and it should be noted that only two games ago they sat in the bottom three, two straight wins have pushed them up the table and if they did win at St Mary's they would be within two points of us, that should issue a note of caution to those who crow about our great start to the season, that this is still early days and that a few losses or wins can make a great deal of difference to the league table, its a marathon and not a sprint as the old adage says and therefore where we are now counts for nothing its where we are come May that really matters.

On Monday Fulham despatched Palace 4-1 coming back from a goal down and we have to make sure that we don't let them repeat the feat, at Selhurst Park they scored two wonder goals from distance and it doesn't matter how good your defence is you cant defend against shots like that so we have to make sure that we don't give them the opportunity to repeat the feat.

From a Saints point of view the big question is whether Mauricio Pochettino will play both Lambert & Osvaldo or whether he will repeat his tactics of Old Trafford and drop one to the bench, my thoughts on this are well documented, I feel that a choice has to be made between one or the other and that playing both together has been detrimental to our creating and scoring going forward and the goals scored in open play support this theory.

If I was basing which of the two should play this Saturday after Osvaldo's display at Old Trafford you would almost certainly have to select Lambert ahead of the Italian, however I feel that Pochettino wont do that, like many managers at clubs far bigger than Saints, when you have a big signing you have to justify signing them by playing them week in week out almost to the point of distraction, even when its quite clear to the outside world that they are not worth their place.

Now Im not saying that about Osvaldo, he clearly is a class act and I think he will come good, but the plain truth is that he hasn't succeeded so far at Saints and that has to be down to the system rather than a lack of quality, indeed the same can be said about Rickie Lambert and his barren season, used in the proper way for England he has scored in open play, in the Saints system this season he has barely had a sniff.

I don't buy the "look at the league table" attitude of some Saints fans on this matter, the best managers in football are those that are pro active and can see problems arising even when things are going well and deal with them before they become a problem, we are going to find out soon whether Pochettino is a pro active manager or a re active one, Glenn Hoddle might now be reviled amongst Saints supporters, but when he was boss at the Dell his strength was he could read the patterns of a game and knew just when to make changes so that problems didn't become crisis's

When analysing any football team you have to look at the areas of improvement and who is not functioning and at the moment we are reliant on keeping people out, as Palace found out on Monday, you can legislate for long range goals of the season, at some time we will get caught out like that, we have to be able to outscore sides at times rather than out defend them so to speak.

I bring up points like this because they are relevant, ok we will all have differing opinions about how much of a issue they are, but the goals in open play stats are something that needs addressing, I want us to be second come 7pm Saturday evening, I want us to continue to thrive, but in football no team keeps being successful if they keep standing still and not addressing key issues.

Only real injury problem seems to be Steve Davis, if he is fit then I would expect the side to be the same as at Old Trafford although I would like to see us get a bit more width into our play especially on the left where in our last games we have seemed to have played without a wide left player per se, but reliant on getting someone over to cover.

If Davis isn't fit then I would expect to see Jamie Ward Prowse in the team in his place, JWP in many way is similar to Davis in the fact both are busy players, the difference between the two though is that although Davis is strong on moving the ball quickly on to another player and helping us break quickly, JWP is a better deliverer of the ball both from open play and dead ball situations.

This is a winnable game for Saints as is the visit to Stoke next week, however as I started this preview with, this is an acid test for Saints, we need to prove that we can beat teams and beat them well and we need to prove that we can score from open play a bit more.



- See more at: http://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/football/southampton/news/33167/saints-v-fulham-the-preview?#sthash.Tzpfg4gr.dpuf

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Fulham skipper set to miss Saints clash

Captain Brede Hangeland is expected to miss Fulham's game against Saints tomorrow because of a nerve injury in his leg.

Manager Martin Jol said the centre-back will probably sit out the game at St Mary's while midfielder Bryan Ruiz is doubtful because of a back injury.

Defender Aaron Hughes could make his first appearance since August 31 if he overcomes a thigh injury, but full-back Matthew Briggs (hernia) is still out.



http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/saints/news/10764142._/?